Kokum (Garcinia indica) Fruit: A Review

Abstract

Kokum (Garcinia indica) is an ancient fruit which is widely consumed in the form of sarbat in a western ghat of India. Kokum is a fruit tree of culinary, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical uses. Kokum has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine as it was traditionally used for treatment of different health related problems like sores, dermatitis, diarrhea, dysentery, ear infection and to facilitate digestion. Kokum seeds are used for oil extraction. Kokum fruit has an antioxidant, acidulant and appetite stimulant properties that helps to fight against cancer, paralysis, ageing, obesity, ulcer etc. Kokum fruit is a good digestive tonic and used to overcome the skin related problems. It is also used for the preparation of the products like Kokum syrup, Sharbat, Butter, Aamsul, beverages. The aim of this paper was to present an overview of the nutritional value, health benefits, traditional uses and its application in food industry.